Local middle-schoolers compete in area Cross Country Championship

Thursday

Oct 11, 2012 at 6:46 PMOct 11, 2012 at 6:50 PM

Though the middle-school cross country season ended last week, it isn't over for members of the Oak Ridge Track Club. Several Jefferson and Robertsville harriers joined up as part of the ORTC, and competed Tuesday at the Knoxville Area Cross Country Championships. They placed sixth in both team competitions, and qualified six individuals for the Middle School State Cross Country Meet in the process.

from staff reports and Special to The Oak Ridger

Though the middle-school cross country season ended last week, it isn't over for members of the Oak Ridge Track Club. Several Jefferson and Robertsville harriers joined up as part of the ORTC, and competed Tuesday at the Knoxville Area Cross Country Championships. They placed sixth in both team competitions, and qualified six individuals for the Middle School State Cross Country Meet in the process.

Lauren Blade led the girls Oak Ridge Racing contingent. Blade, a JMS student, placed third overall after a slow start — but "hammered the second half of the race," according to coach Allen Etheridge.

Joining Blade will be a pair of Lady Rams: Maddie Zawisza and Natalie Holthausen.

On the boys' side, Eagles runner Jordan Van Druff warmed up as well in the second half of the race and made the cut for the State Meet.

Rams runners Jacob Etheridge and Daniel Hoelzer also made the cut.

The ORTC's new Youth Athletics Program … Oak Ridge Racing … is coached by Etheridge and Sam Roberts and allows the two Oak Ridge middle schools' kids to compete against some of the best runners in the area in the two meets.